Security forces and supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Mursi clashed in Cairo and other cities, leaving at least 34 dead, as protests against the military erupted on the anniversary of the war with Israel.

At least 209 people were injured, Health Ministry official Khalid al-Khatib said.

The Muslim Brotherhood is facing its toughest crackdown in decades after Mr Mursi was pushed from power by the military on July 3rd after days of mass protests.

The army-backed government sent police to clear Islamist protest camps in August, leaving hundreds dead. Since then Brotherhood leaders have been targeted by a wave of arrests.

Brotherhood members “tried to spoil celebrations” marking the 40th anniversary of the war, the Interior Ministry said in an e-mailed statement.

The Brotherhood-affiliated Freedom and Justice Party accused police and “thugs” of attacking unarmed protesters, according to its Facebook page.

Security forces detained more than 400 Brotherhood supporters today, the Interior Ministry said. The turmoil that has engulfed Egypt since the 2011 ouster of president Hosni Mubarak has battered the economy, leaving the most populous Arab country dependent on aid from Gulf Arab states to stem a decline in foreign reserves. (Bloomberg)